f a sallow complexion, jet black
eyes, and round head of smooth black hair. His dress was simply a coarse
linen shirt and trowsers, the heat of the day being such as to allow him
to dispense with coat and waistcoat. He carried, in one hand, a battered
straw hat, and in the other, trailed a long rifle. His feet were
covered with a pair of moccasins of brown leather, and the ordinary
hunting equipments were suspended about his person.

The second was a youth apparently about sixteen, dressed in a suit of
green summer-cloth, neatly and fancifully adapted to his figure, which
was graceful and boyish. The jacket was short, and gathered into a small
skirt behind; and both this and the pantaloons were garnished with a
profusion of black cord and small black buttons. A highly polished
leather belt was buckled around his waist; a cap of green cloth rested,
somewhat conceitedly, amongst the rich locks of a head of light, curly
hair that fell, with girlish beauty, over a fair brow, and gave softness
to a countenance of pure white and red; and a neat foot showed to
advantage in a laced boot. The whole appearance of the youth was of one
of an amiable and docile bearing, and the small rifle or carbine which
he bore in his hand, as well as the dainty accoutrements that belonged
to it, amongst which was a diminutive bugle, looked more like the toys
of a pampered boy, than any apparatus of service.

No sooner had these two approached near enough to Butler and his
attendant for recognition, than the youth, quitting the hold of his
horse, sprang forward with a joyous alacrity and seized Butler by the
hand.

"Captain Butler," he cried with great animation, "how glad I am you have
come! And how fortunate it is that I should meet you! Get down from your
horse, I have something to tell you. Here, Stephen Foster, take this
gentleman's horse."

"You are a fine fellow, Harry," said Butler, dismounting. "That smiling
face of yours is full of pleasant news; it assures me that all are well
at the Dove Cote." Then having given his horse in charge to Robinson,
and walked a few paces apart with his young friend, he enquired, in a
low and anxious tone, "Mildred, my dear Henry, what of your sister
Mildred? Has she received my letter? Does she expect me? Is your
father--"

"Now, captain," interrupted the other--"but heigh! don't the newspapers
say you are brevetted? I am a pretty fellow to forget that! Well then,
Major Butler, let me answer one que